Gulf of Mexico oil spill: How to help

Individuals and organizations are readying themselves for the fight to protect the water, land and wildlife that sits in the path of the oil sheen. Here are some ways you can help and other resources for staying on top of the story. Please read the comments section for other suggestions as well.

May 15

Deepwater Horizon Response Unified Command is urging the public to report any breaks in the nearly 1.2 million feet of boom that have been placed throughout the Gulf of Mexico. To report an incident, call 1-866-448-5816.

In addition, the group is soliciting the public's ideas for "stopping the flow of oil into the Gulf, containing or recovering it, or
cleaning it up." Click here to submit your suggestion, or alternatively, call 281-366-5511.

The Louisiana Bucket Brigade's Oil Spill Crisis Map lets Gulf Coast residents report "sightings of fishermen out or work, endangered wildlife, oil on shore, oil sheens, health impacts and other problems." Information can be submitted in a variety of ways.

"Reports can be made and viewed at http://oilspill.labucketbrigade.org. Mobile phone users can text or call in reports to (504) 27 27 OIL. Reports can also be sent to bpspillmap@gmail.com and through Twitter with the hashtag #BPspillmap. Eyewitness reports for the map require a description, and location information such as address, city and state, zip-code or coordinates. Citizen reporters can remain anonymous or disclose their contact information. Photos and video can be uploaded via the web."

The group boasts twelve locations across region that are ready to receive human and pet hair, and hundreds of volunteers participating in "Boom B Q" parties stuffing the donated locks into recycled nylons to form booms that can be strung along beaches and marshes.

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to "fill a variety of needs." Pre-veterinary students, veterinary technicians, and anyone with HAZWOPER training (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard) are "strongly encouraged" to register.